Spicy Pomegranate Martini

Originally, I wanted to dedicate this post to all single ladies and gentlemen who find themselves celebrating this year’s Valentines Day either alone or with a group of friends.

Then I thought that … well, everyone {those with lovers, those without, those happy, those hopeful, those sad, and those complacent} can enjoy the heck out of this delicious little cocktail.

So I hereby dedicate the Spicy Pomegranate Martini to ALL of you. If you hear it nowhere else today, know that you are loved and there is a place in my heart for you.

This cocktail is really simple. Do yourself a favor and stop on your way home from work or school today to pick up: vodka (let’s be honest, you already have a bottle in the freezer), pomegranate juice, limes, and a salty chili powder.

While you’re at it, you might as well pick up strawberries and chocolate. Whip up a batch of Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries (ccs) … and if you don’t have the patience to wait for them to cool and harden, I don’t judge you. I’ve spent many a night re-exclaiming my ccs as impulse “strawberries and dark chocolate fondue!” It’s cool.

My vodka-connoisseur friend Julie, the recent bride, gave me proper coaching on the paleo-friendliness of vodka. Traditionally, vodka is made from potatoes. She has, however, discovered Ciroc. Ciroc, a tasty French vodka made from grapes, doesn’t taste like grapes. It just tastes like smooth, velvety vodka. If you can find it, I highly recommend. If not, any vodka you enjoy will work great.

The salty chili powder I prefer (reaching back to my family heritage here) is Trechas. Trechas is used a lot in Mexican culture for sprinkling on fresh fruit and veggies. It makes for an EXCELLENT addition to this cocktail. If you can’t find Trechas (look first in the produce section), then any homemade mixture of kosher salt and chili powder will work. Add a little cayenne if you’re especially brave.